Euronews

Scientists are predicting longer-burning wildfires in future decades. As Greece and Italy hit new records, does Europe need a new fire prevention strategy?

After living through the hottest summer on record in 2022 and a prolonged drought, France is now preparing for a future where extreme weather could become commonplace.

Six months’ worth of rain fell in 36 hours resulting in over 300 landslides and submerging fields and roads.

The government has allocated €2 billion to ease the impact of extreme heat and drought on farmers and water supplies.

Inside a shrine overlooking snow-capped mountains, Hindu priests heaped spoonfuls of puffed rice and ghee into a crackling fire. They closed their eyes and chanted in Sanskrit, hoping their prayers would save their holy and sinking — town.

When an earthquake strikes, the priority for rescue teams is to save lives. But there is also the need to preserve historical heritage. And the way in which ancient buildings survive can also provide many lessons as authorities look to rebuild.

Xynthia was a perfect storm of hurricane-force winds, surging seas and driving rain that smashed into the western coasts of France and Spain overnight, wreaking havoc as far inland as Germany.

The European Commission Joint Research Centre (EC-JRC) has warned that the current drought could be the worst in 500 years.